The state of New Jersey was very well-represented at the first-ever Convention of States Leadership Summit at the end of August.
Over 20 COS New Jersey volunteers and supporters attended the event in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. Every member of the team was effusive in praising the Summit and many chose to share their experiences.
Bob Nordin, District Captain (LD-26)
There is a vast array of interesting people and an even greater amount of interesting things people find to do with themselves and do for others. Take for instance being the carriage driver for Princess Diana’s wedding, or being the bassist for Aerosmith, or being on the crew that recently uncovered the Pool of Siloam. I have had a similar experience, having gone in to look at a routine carpentry trim job and being asked to do a coffered ceiling. I was so thrilled and really enjoy telling that story. To be at the Leadership Summit, that was my experience. I thought to myself that if I were in some other location, I would be jealous to be at the Leadership Summit, because I was joined with the volunteers that will change the course of history, that blows me away! I was there! With all of you!
Maria Borges, Follow-Up Team/R5 Member (LD-21)
I loved the entire program. What stands out in my heart is meeting so many amazing people across our country working together for the same goal: defiantly reclaiming self-governance! My favorite speaker: Mark Levin, of course. I listened to his evolution on Article V on his radio show. I regained hope when I was mourning the loss of my country. It was wonderful hearing his words of wisdom and encouragement!
Jim Collinsworth, Jr., District Captain (LD-5)
I had a great time at the Summit. I enjoyed meeting Jason, Ginny, and Mark. I was impressed by the willingness of everyone to share their experiences and to help others. I liked the regional breakouts where had a chance to meet with others from the North East and share similar blue state issues. All of the speakers were great, but from a purely learning experience, David Barton was my favorite. His presentation of the Constitution and its ties back to the Declaration of Independence blew me away. One point I heard over and over was getting 34 states to pass the resolution was just the first step of the project. We must continue to fight straight through to passage of the amendments and be ever vigilant to maintain our liberties.
Janet Hagan, Follow-Up Team/R5 Member (LD-25)
This Summit was the affirmation I needed to know I am on the right path! All the featured speakers are convinced that the Convention of States Action is the answer we are looking for. Pete, Dave, Mark, and everyone else (especially The Great One) expressed that we are all in this fight together as patriots against tyranny. We are a great American family. Dr. Coburn was one of my favorites. He is my hero. The way he has lived his life and how he has given of himself proves that through love all things are possible. Love of family, love of community, love of country, and most of all love of God drives the work that needs to be done. Pearls of wisdom have come from all the speakers that I will use in educating my family, friends and community. I was extremely honored to be a part of this incredible Summit. The experience has moved me to believe that our beautiful country can be saved. God bless America!
Piera Accumanno, Follow-Up Team/R5 Member (LD-40)
The COS Leadership Summit was the experience of a life time. The most uplifting thing for me was to be in the midst of all the excitement and positivity. I met lots of wonderful people from other states. Everyone's commitment has become an aura around me. It has given me energy and purpose. I was so happy to sit among the NJ team. So inspiring! Mark Meckler set an excellent example of rolling up your sleeves to get stuff done regardless of your level in life. Besides the BEST (Mark Levin) and the other BEST (Pete Hegseth), I really enjoyed David Barton's presentation and the principles of the Constitutions. The Regional Roundtable with Monica Sellers was my favorite breakout session. It was great to hear what other state groups were doing and discuss how we can all improve. I learned to not be afraid, and to be brave.
Donald MacLeay, COS NJ State Videographer
I'm the type of person who is always looking at the details. At the Summit I saw a parking garage full of cars from what seemed like every state. I didn't encounter anyone not having a good time the entire weekend. Everyone was helpful. I had a great roommate, a vet, and a Texas RC. The venue was excellent, though the architecture was confusing! Once settled in, everything ran like clockwork. Though the COS Action organization seems top-heavy, there is no project a state COS can engage in where National will not have their backs. That focused, head on a swivel, energy came into play soon after the Summit at our Dunellen event. I got to meet everyone in National and there is some amazing talent there. Most impressed with Robert Kelly, National legal counsel, like meeting a real life super hero. Our group was my home base, but you could find friends everywhere.
Francesca Nordin, Follow-Up Team/R5 Member and State Content Writer (LD-25)
The COS Leadership Summit was extremely encouraging, invigorating me for our work to save our American Republic. Coming together as we did at the Summit was the best working vacation I have ever experienced. The atmosphere among the attendees was very positive. We immediately became a cohesive fellowship of patriots. I was especially glad for Mark Levin, because he received the same camaraderie in the work from being with us! With COS folks being there from all states, it boosted my confidence that we can accomplish our task, because we are a nationwide force yet still grassroots. It also was excellent to get to know others in our region and nationwide when we heard what they are accomplishing in COS. I experienced equality, versus separation from any of the presenters i.e. “volunteers” and they are the “leaders”; all were very approachable. Tom Coburn is the COS leader who inspired me over the others. All speakers were excellent! He has persevered for what is right for so long while fighting against cancer multiple times. I cannot imagine having faith that strong. He exemplifies love for God, family, and country, so it gives him such great tenacity for and belief in the work for a Convention of States as the only means we have to save our beloved republic. Praise God for the testimony of his life! A sincere thanks to all the organizers of our event. Hoping to participate again next year!
Susan Beckett-Jones, District Captain (LD-4)
Mark, thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul for reviving our glorious country and its conscience! Your Leadership Summit was a spectacular success, beautifully orchestrated with each presentation perfectly dovetailing, blending, supporting and highlighting the next speaker all through Tim Dunn’s concluding stirring sermon complete with detailed, historically explained, enthusiastic “Servant Leadership” marching orders to enable unifying us all as true Citizens for Self Governance in our beloved country’s ongoing fight to reclaim Liberty and keep our Republic! We do indeed agree, and “...mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” My deepest regards, respect, and gratitude for each of the many, many miracles you and the National staff all performed throughout your lives, and through your phenomenal Leadership Summit. May God continue to bless the USA!
Not content with simply enjoying themselves, the COS New Jersey team also made a point to bring some of the Leadership Summit fun home to their State Director Jonathan Viaud, who was unable to attend.
Working together, volunteers took turns gathering signatures from all of the speakers at the Leadership Summit on a COS New Jersey t-shirt.
The team later surprised Jonathan by presenting him with the t-shirt at the end of special event held in Dunellen, New Jersey. Check out the below video which captures Jonathan's surprise!
There's no doubt that the COS New Jersey team had an incredible experience at the first-ever COS Leadership Summit. Volunteers are eager to spread what they have learned, as they continue their momentum towards accomplishing their goals in New Jersey!
Special thanks to Francesca Nordin for providing these wonderful photographs of the event.
